we had higher tax rates under clinton and then lower tax rates under bush. these are policies we have passed in this country that have led to this. it has primarily been under republican leadership. if it does not mean democrats don't have some responsibility. host: peter welch is our guest until the top of the hour. the democrat from vermont, the chief deputy whip for the house leadership on the democratic side. we're talking about the so called "fiscal cliff" and our cameras have been covering all the events here in washington as both sides tried to negotiate their argument with. if you go to our web site, c- span.org, we have a special web pages at a side on the fiscal cliff and you can also send in your tweets. we will go to payton next in london, kentucky, a democrat. caller: thank you. i am one of the original baby boomers. i live in one of the poorest areas in the country, which is also heavily republican area of the country. i have always felt [indiscernible]. host: we are losing you. caller: this constant living curtailment from the republicans is a